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Gratiot Street Hospital Dec 31
Dear parents. I received your letter a day or so ago. I was very glad to hear that you had received my letter. I feared that it had miscarried and you were suffering on my account. I was very unwell when I received it having taken a fever and afterwards a pain in my side so that I feared I was taking the pneumania. But the fever has subsided though the pain troubles me considerably yet. I cough very little now to what I did. I expect to try to get some No. 6 as I think it would help me. The Dr has given me very little strong medicine. I have had very little appetite for some time but I think as my health returns my appetite will also. what I mostly fear is the smallpox although every precaution is taken to keep it from spreading. As soon as a man takes it he is immediately carried out of the city to the smallpox hospital. A number of men were brought down from Alton the other day 2 of which have taken the smallpox in this prison. I can trust alone in him who can protect and I do not forget him who has conferred so many mercies upon me.
I hope this finds you all well. Write soon. Your affectionate son
J. C. Babb

The images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use, without prior written consent, is expressly prohibited. Please contact boonecountymuseum@yahoo.com for more information.

Gratiot Street Hospital Dec 31
Dear parents. I received your letter a day or so ago. I was very glad to hear that you had received my letter. I feared that it had miscarried and you were suffering on my account. I was very unwell when I received it having taken a fever and afterwards a pain in my side so that I feared I was taking the pneumania. But the fever has subsided though the pain troubles me considerably yet. I cough very little now to what I did. I expect to try to get some No. 6 as I think it would help me. The Dr has given me very little strong medicine. I have had very little appetite for some time but I think as my health returns my appetite will also. what I mostly fear is the smallpox although every precaution is taken to keep it from spreading. As soon as a man takes it he is immediately carried out of the city to the smallpox hospital. A number of men were brought down from Alton the other day 2 of which have taken the smallpox in this prison. I can trust alone in him who can protect and I do not forget him who has conferred so many mercies upon me.
I hope this finds you all well. Write soon. Your affectionate son
J. C. Babb

The images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use, without prior written consent, is expressly prohibited. Please contact boonecountymuseum@yahoo.com for more information.